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City Cast Houston

What isn't there to love about Houston? Whether we're admiring our beautiful diversity, eating at another delicious restaurant, jamming to new music from a Houston artist, exploring our wonderful parks, there is SO much to love about this city.  

So, that's why in honor of our legendary 713 phone number, we (the City Cast Houston team, our podcast guests, readers, and listeners) have compiled a list of 713 things we love about Houston. We hope this list makes you smile, helps you remember the memories you've made in Houston, and inspires you to try something new. 

Seeing the Be Someone graffiti as you drive into downtown

Trail riders going along Allen Parkway and downtown

When your power comes back on after a storm

All of our tire shops and that flats get fixed ASAP

Brays Bayou (as long as it doesn't overflow)

Going to Bun B's Takeover at the Houston Rodeo

The summer rain shower that breaks the heat

Picking up Houston Chronicle’s Sunday paper	

Hearing Houston Public Media in your Uber

Snapping a photo on POST Houston's rooftop

You can wear summer clothes in the winter

The way we band together after disasters		

40 and under night at Houston Grand Opera

Bringing a cocktail into the theater while you watch a show at Hobby Center

Adult skate night at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

Escaping Houston and getting to the Seawall in Galveston

Movies on the roof at Rooftop Cinema Club

When all the Houston sports team are winning

Walking through downtown when it's decorated for Christmas	

Drinking glass of wine at Postino's patio in The Heights	

Getting Trill Burgers at the Houston Rodeo

Sunset in Buffalo Bayou Park with Downtown Houston as backdrop

Spring day on a patio denying the summer heat that will roll in soon enough

Collecting shells along the beach in Galveston

713 Things We Love About Houston

Find the best of everything that Houston has to offer.

Houston’s Best

Houston's Best

As we dive deeper into the fall season, there’s nothing better than watching a cozy movie inside with a big tub of popcorn. So, which movie theater should you put at the top of your list this fall? And which movie theater may not be worth the hype? I’ve got you covered ⬇️

Before you visit any other movie theater in Houston, you have to go to this one! River Oaks Theatre, which opened originally in 1939, is a one-of-a-kind theater in Houston. Whenever I visit, I feel like I’m getting a glimpse at Old Hollywood glamour because of the beautiful interior design. River Oaks Theatre also 

, where they updated their sound, lighting, seating, and added a brand new kitchen and two bars. Make sure to add a 

midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Worth Visiting: IPIC Houston At Least Once

 every weekend, but if you’re looking to escape into a night of luxury then this is worth visiting at least once. Enjoy reclining seats, cozy blankets, and food from their chef-driven theater menu. Want to take your extravagant night out up a notch? Check out 

 inside the movie theater, where you can enjoy a range of delicious items, including their short rib grilled cheese, tuck street tacos, and their lobster mac and cheese. You’re hungry now, right?!

Okay, I know I’m probably going to get some hate for this pick. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy a trip every now and then to 

Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Theater

. It reminds me of the movie theaters I grew up going to as a kid. However, movie ticket prices for adults are over $20, and you have to pay for parking. For that price, you might as well spend a little bit more at one of Houston’s more upscale theaters. Plus, their 

Who wouldn’t want to see the breathtaking Houston skyline while watching their favorite movie? This is why I love 

! Whether you want to enjoy a popular film like Michael B. Jordan’s "Sinners," they show new flicks every night. This movie theater is also perfect for a date night because you can cozy up in a love seat for two with a bag of popcorn. Check out their 

, which includes a glass of wine with your movie ticket.

What’s your favorite movie theater in Houston?!

Which Houston movie theaters should you visit or skip this summer? 

Houston Movie Theaters to Visit This Summer

 Should You Visit or Skip These Movie Theaters?

Happy October! It’s time to enjoy the spooky season with arts and cultural happenings across Greater Houston. Whether you want to go on an educational architecture walk in the Museum District, celebrate the rich history of Diwali, or join a new book club in Third Ward, there’s plenty of fun to embrace this month.

Shadowlawn and Waverly Court Architecture Walk

Explore the two earliest enclaves of Houston’s prestigious Museum District with Preservation Houston. Embrace the cooler weather while learning about the history and architecture of the neighborhood.

Anjali Performing Arts Diwali Celebration Performances

 at The Woodlands Children’s Museum | October 18 | 10:30 & 11:30 a.m.

Celebrate Diwali this month with colorful, vibrant performances! More than a billion people around the world participate in Diwali, a Hindu holiday that started in India and celebrates the victory of light over darkness.

Film talk: Addie Tsai, author of "Straight White Men Can't Dance"

 at Basket Books & Art | October 23 | 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Basket Books is offering a unique film talk and discussion with Houston author Addie Tsai, who gives us a closer look at the media research behind their work. This unique talk explores how a dance trope about white men actually serves as a smokescreen for deeper issues of white supremacy.

 at Houston History Research Center| October 23 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

This showcase at the Julia Ideson Building downtown will feature architectural drawings of Houston’s theaters and performance halls. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most renowned and beautiful theater buildings across the city.

 at Kindred Stories | October 28 | 7:00 pm

This month, Kindred Stories’ book club is reading 

by Kylie Lee Baker —- a proper horror novel for the season! Gather with your community and welcome the spooky season together.

Book Launch | “Sea of Ink, Forest of Pens: The Art of the Qurʾan in the Hossein Afshar Collection”

 at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston | October 30 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The cozy season is the perfect time to curl up with a book. Join the MFAH for David J. Roxburgh’s book launch in the Hirsch Library’s intimate Reading Room. You’ll get a chance to hear from the museum’s paper conservationist, Tina Tan, about how she preserves centuries-old works from our collection.

The best arts and culture events in Houston for October 2025. 

Houston Arts & Culture Guide for October 2025

October is one of the best months in Houston! Why is that? The temperatures are 

starting to cool down and the month is packed with festivities to celebrate the start of fall. Whether you want to dance the night away to Tejano music, sip craft beer at Oktoberfest, or play Monster Mini-Golf (yes, this is a thing!), you will not be disappointed with fun happenings around H-Town.

Don’t Let These Fun Events Slip Under Your Radar

Did you know a former vice president is coming to town?! Kamala Harris is making a stop at Hobby Center to 

 which covers her unprecedented run for president last year.

Craving one more night on Miller Outdoor Theatre’s beautiful lawn before the season ends? Spend this weekend dancing and singing along to Tejano and mariachi music at the 

Basketball season is also back! Cheer on the Houston Rockets and new star player Kevin Durant 

The weather is crisp(ish), so it’s time to get outside and enjoy one of Houston’s festivals!

Want to ooh and ahh over beautiful artwork? Stop by the 

 at Memorial Park, which will feature hundreds of artists from all over the world.

Embrace our city’s dynamic diversity at the 

, one of the largest cultural events held at Discovery Green. This year, it will feature K-Pop headliners Hohyun & Withus.

Nothing feels more like fall than an Oktoberfest celebration! Head to 

at Saint Arnold Brewing Co, where you can celebrate with a German-themed food menu, live music, and special beer tappings.

, where they can decorate pumpkins, show off their costumes, and go on an adventure on the trick-or-treat nature trail.

 with hands-on crafts and the movie “Coco.”

Dance the night away, sing karaoke, and win best costume at the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s one-of-a-kind 

Mixers & Elixirs: Spirits and Skeletons party.

 Or, put on your best costume and groove with your crew at 

, where you can win a cash prize for your costume. Looking for more low-key options? Grab your beau or your crew 

for a scary movie at Rooftop Cinema Club Uptown

 at this glow-in-the-dark course in Katy.

The best ways to ring in fall across Houston. 

Your October Guide 2025 in Houston

Houston's Best Ways to Celebrate Fall in October 2025

Are you having a hard time finding somewhere entertaining and affordable for your kiddos to be when school lets out? I know after-school care can be extremely expensive across Houston, but don’t get too stressed out just yet! There’s plenty of free and low-cost fun options. From storytime at Houston Public Library to free tennis lessons, I’ll show you where your kids can have a good time on a budget.

What could be a better place for your kids to read and learn something new than their local library? Whether you want to play board games, enjoy storytime, play with Legos, or work on arts and crafts, there’s tons of kid-friendly free fun. Check out 

🏊 Houston Parks and Recreation Department Activities

 and other after-school activities for kids? Whether your child wants to swim, play soccer, or participate in flag football, they can try something new this fall. The city also has after-school enrichment programs where kids can work on crafts, explore nature, and do fitness activities.

If you have a daughter in 4th or 5th grade who’s interested in STEM, 

enroll them in this weekly after-school program

. The girls will participate in exciting scientific investigations and other activities that will sharpen their science, technology, engineering, and math skills.

Want your child to be the next Coco Gauff or Naomi Osaka? The City of Houston is partnering with the Houston Tennis Association to offer 

free year-round beginner and intermediate tennis lessons

 at tennis centers and neighborhood courts across the city. Another plus? This program is open to kids up to 18 years old, so your whole family can up their tennis game!

Back in 2016, Houston Endowment initiated a study that found 

several Houston neighborhoods did not offer quality out-of-school activities

 alongside other organizations and city departments. This program now connects kids with fun opportunities all over Houston, from performing arts and Girl Scouts to tutoring and mentorship, there is something for everyone in your family. Use 

The best free or low cost after-school activities in Houston. 

The Best Free or Low Cost After-School Activities in Houston

The Best Free or Low Cost After-School Activities 

Tips and tricks for living your best Houston life, by locals, for locals.

Houston Life Hacks

Houston’s theater scene is buzzing with exciting shows! From the mystery thriller “The Da Vinci Code” to the heartwarming “Akeelah and the Bee,” there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a look at what to watch this fall.

Enjoy this heart-pounding mystery, based on the bestselling novel and movie, at the Alley Theatre. Symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu race across Europe to solve a deadly puzzle using clues hidden in ancient symbols and imagery. Along the way, they stop at breathtaking European landmarks like the Louvre. Can’t wait to watch!

Some of you might remember watching the adorable Keke Palmer in the movie version of “Akeelah and the Bee” in 2006. Now, you can see this heartwarming story unfold at 

, one of the largest Black professional theaters in the country. Akeelah is a young woman who is remarkably gifted and overcomes challenges with the support of her community to compete in the National Spelling Bee.

This play by Tony-nominated Dominique Morisseau at Stages Theatre follows sisters deciding the fate of their family legacy inside a house on “Mud Row” in Pennsylvania. The sisters, who represent different generations, navigate love, race, and class in this moving story about family. Pro tip for Stages: Order a drink before the show, and take it inside for the performance 🍸

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

A different kind of spelling bee takes place at the Hobby Center later this fall featuring a talented cast of Houston actors. This laugh-out-loud musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2005, follows six quirky kids competing in a spelling bee showdown. Houston standout Kevin Cahoon, known for roles on Showtime and Netflix, will star as Vice Principal Douglas Panch.

Which Houston plays should you see this fall?

The Best Houston Plays to See in Fall 2025

The Best Plays to Watch this Fall 

Everything to know about Houston neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Houston Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

The temperatures are (kinda) cooling down, pumpkins are out at HEB, and the Texans are back playing at NRG, which means fall is on the horizon. Fall is one of my favorite seasons in H-Town because of all the festivities! Whether you want to see the Houston Zoo in a new way, take a quick road trip to a pumpkin farm, or devour a turkey leg at the Texas Renaissance Festival, you won’t get bored over the next few months. So, what fall fun should you visit and which ones can you save for later?

If you’re looking for peak fall vibes, take a mini road trip to 

 out in Brookshire. Every year, it seems like their fall festivities get bigger and better. Looking for that perfect Instagram pic? Snap one in their pumpkin patch or their life-sized Pumpkin House. Grab your crew and spend the afternoon getting lost in their giant 8-acre corn maze. At night, the farm transforms into a Halloween experience complete with a pumpkin stroll and glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Working up an appetite after all that fun? Don’t worry, they have fried oreos, turkey legs, and barbecue to keep you satisfied!

Now that the weather is cooling down, it’s much more pleasant to walk around the Houston Zoo and enjoy 

! AND you get to wear costumes and check out fun decorations. Imagine walking down the tiger exhibit with a bunch of hanging jack-o-lanterns. It adds so much whimsy for the kiddos, and the young-at-heart. Executive Producer Laura Isensee has gone before and recommends you go at least once. And if wearing costumes is your jam, then go every year and make it your own H-Town fall ritual. This year they have a fun-sounding new addition called PhantomScape where animated images are projected on the rocks and landscape at the Galapagos Islands exhibit.

Can’t Miss the Texas Renaissance Festival

 will open to Houston queens and kings on Oct. 11. For over 50 years, this festival has been a staple fall event for Houstonians, and there is good reason! Where else can you dress in your best Renaissance attire, jam to live music, see exciting performances, and eat until you can’t anymore? Never been before and wondering what to check out? I recommend you splurge on a ticket to The King’s Feast, a two hour dinner theatre event where you can feast like never before. Also mark your calendar for one of their themed weekends, which include everything from Oktoberfest to Celtic Christmas. Although the festival 

has undergone some controversy within the last year

, It’s a Houston tradition that will never get old!

Skip Houston Parks and Head to Sam Houston National Forest

Want to catch some fall foliage? Make an adventure out of it and drive about 50 miles north to 

. Go on a hike, camp, ride your bike, fish, or just take your time exploring. It takes until around late October or early November for the beautiful brown, red, and orange colors to start showing up on our trees and when they do, it’s breathtaking. Don’t want to wait to see fall foliage? Go now and bask in the cooler temperatures!

Disclaimer: The Texas Renaissance Festival is a sponsor of City Cast Houston and Hey Houston. Sponsors play no role in City Cast's journalism.

The best places to enjoy fall across Houston. 

Best Places to Enjoy Fall 2025 Across Houston

Best Places to Enjoy Fall Across Houston

It’s time to grab your crew and get outside to celebrate the last days of summer in Houston! Already imagining sitting on a patio and sipping your favorite cocktail? Or do you want to switch things up and have a picnic with your favorite people? Whether a restaurant patio or a picnic is your style, I have some recommendations!

Postino has multiple locations across Houston, but there’s something special about the patio at 

. Whenever I’m driving down Yale on a sunny day, I can’t help but admire their patio and think whoever is sitting there must be having the time of their life. This is a go-to restaurant for a group hang because you can order multiple appetizers, charcuterie boards, and other dishes that will leave you full and satisfied. Some of my favorites: their meatballs, smoked salmon & pesto board, and their west coaster panini.

Are you looking for a cute patio spot outside the Loop? 

 in CityCentre is known for not only traditional and fresh American dishes, but also its beautiful patio. No matter the time of day you go, I love that this restaurant always has great food. For dinner, I love their elote cornbread, campanelle mac and cheese, and roasted half chicken. Bonus points: Sometimes you can hear live music happening on the lawn near their patio.

Grab your picnic basket with goodies and head to 

 inside Memorial Park. Why should you picnic here? This part of Memorial Park is so peaceful, and whenever I’m walking here, it almost feels like I’m not even in Houston anymore. Spread a blanket out under their beautiful trees, eat some good food, and lose track of your time with your favorite people.

Enjoy time at the park and a mouthwatering meal on 

. Try happy hour so you can get small plates and drinks at a great price. For example, they have a mini charcuterie board and house wine for under $20. Want to go all in? Then go big with their Texas-cut ribeye, served with mashed potatoes and bacon brussel sprouts. Whatever you order, you’ll enjoy the beautiful view of the park in Upper Kirby!

Whether with a cute date, your friends, or the fam, 

 is a classic picnic spot in Houston. The park is huge, so you have lots of nooks to choose from – by the duck pond, on the hill or maybe the Japanese Garden with zen vibes? You can add more fun to your picnic by going to 

 has fun performances going on through October, so stick around for an entertaining show.

What are the best patio restaurants and places for a picnic in Houston? 

The Best Patio Restaurants and Picnic Spots in Houston

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Houston. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Houston Food & Drink

Food & Drink

There’s a stretch of Westheimer that feels a little bit like Hollywood. The streets are lined with tall palm trees and picture-perfect buildings, making you wonder if you’re still in Houston. Earlier this month, I explored that iconic stretch of Westheimer, starting with tea at Central Market, shopping at Highland Village, and ending with brunch at the River Oaks District. And let’s just say, I did a mix of walking and driving, because it’s Houston 😉

 (I know pinch me) and would walk down and get breakfast anytime I wanted. When I set out earlier this month, I wanted to relive those days. So, I grabbed an English Breakfast tea from their coffee counter and spent some time lounging inside their cafe. But if you’re hungry, Central Market’s breakfast options are almost endless: freshly baked muffins, croissants, and breakfast tacos. And even though this isn’t about lunch, I 

to mention their build-your-own-sandwich counter. My favorite: The California Connection 😋

 has been around since 1952. I spent my morning looking through the sales rack at 

. On any trip there, I also like to ooh and ahhh over the beautiful jewelry by 

 (who graduated from Klein High School btw!) And whether you need new glasses, something chic for your living room from 

, you could spend the whole day (and maybe your whole paycheck!) at this shopping center. Working up an appetite and want to support a local business? Grab a bite from this Texas chain 

, serving up delicious Italian food, or swing by 

, a Tex-Mex classic in Houston for more than 30 years. I also adore 

, for their fantastic crepes and adorable ambience.

Keep walking (or driving!) down Westheimer, and you’ll find yourself at the 

. This swanky complex opened a decade ago, and yes, you can shop even 

 from over 60 luxury brands. Tired of the same movie routine? Check out 

 for a more upscale experience. I’ve heard amazing reviews about 

, where you can experience a taste of Madrid night life in Houston. 

 has always been my go-to Texas burger joint since my college days in Austin. Finally, I ended my tour with a plate of delicious waffles and eggs at 

things to do

713 Things We Love About Houston

Should You Visit or Skip These Movie Theaters?

Houston Arts & Culture Guide for October 2025

Latest articles

713 Things We Love About Houston

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Best Places to Enjoy Fall Across Houston

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